.28 Nosler Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.28 Nosler: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle Magnum
Used For Long-range hunting, Target shooting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 2015

.28 Nosler: At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional long-range performance
  • High ballistic coefficient for better wind resistance
  • Flatter trajectory compared to similar calibers
  • Excellent energy retention at extended distances
  • Versatile for various big game hunting scenarios

Cons

  • Significant recoil, especially in lighter rifles
  • Ammunition can be expensive and less readily available
  • Barrel life may be shorter due to high velocities
  • Overkill for smaller game or shorter range hunting
  • Requires a magnum-length action

.28 Nosler Ammo: In Depth

The .28 Nosler is a high-performance rifle cartridge designed for long-range hunting and shooting. Introduced in 2015 by Nosler, it offers exceptional ballistic performance in a standard-length action. The .28 Nosler is known for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and impressive energy retention at long distances, making it an excellent choice for big game hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts.

Development and Characteristics

The .28 Nosler was developed as part of Nosler's proprietary line of cartridges, aimed at maximizing performance within standard action lengths. It is based on a necked-down .404 Jeffery case, providing a large powder capacity relative to bullet diameter. This design allows for high velocities with heavy-for-caliber bullets, resulting in excellent long-range performance.

The cartridge is designed to push 7mm (.284 caliber) bullets at velocities exceeding 3,300 fps with 160-grain projectiles. This combination of bullet weight and velocity results in a cartridge that maintains energy well downrange and resists wind drift better than many other popular long-range cartridges.

One of the key advantages of the .28 Nosler is its ability to achieve this performance in a standard-length action, making it more versatile and easier to handle than some magnum cartridges that require longer actions. This characteristic has contributed to its growing popularity among hunters and long-range shooters who desire magnum performance without the increased recoil and rifle weight associated with larger cartridges.

Applications and Performance

The .28 Nosler excels in long-range hunting scenarios, particularly for medium to large game. Its high velocity and energy retention make it effective for taking animals like elk, moose, and large deer species at extended ranges. The cartridge's flat trajectory also simplifies shot placement at varying distances, a valuable attribute in open country hunting.

In long-range target shooting, the .28 Nosler has gained a following due to its ability to deliver consistent accuracy at extreme distances. The cartridge's high ballistic coefficient bullets and velocity contribute to reduced wind drift and drop, allowing skilled shooters to engage targets effectively beyond 1,000 yards.

While the .28 Nosler offers impressive performance, it does come with some trade-offs. The cartridge generates significant recoil, which can be challenging for some shooters to manage, especially in lighter rifles. Additionally, the high velocities and pressures can lead to accelerated barrel wear, a factor that serious shooters should consider.

Timeline of .28 Nosler Development:

Year Event
2020 The .28 Nosler continues to gain popularity among long-range hunters and shooters.
2016 Major ammunition manufacturers begin producing factory loads for the .28 Nosler.
2015 Nosler officially introduces the .28 Nosler cartridge to the public.
2014 Development and testing of the .28 Nosler cartridge is completed by Nosler.
2013 Nosler begins development of the .28 Nosler as part of their proprietary cartridge line.

.28 Nosler Performance

The .28 Nosler offers exceptional ballistic performance, particularly for long-range shooting and hunting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 3,300-3,400 fps (160-grain bullets) 3,100-3,200 fps (175-grain bullets)
Measured from a 26-inch barrel
Energy 3,800-4,000 ft-lbs at the muzzle (160-grain bullets)
Provides excellent terminal performance on large game
Trajectory Approximately 36 inches of drop at 500 yards (160-grain bullet)
Assumes a 200-yard zero
Effective Range 1,000+ yards
Maintains supersonic velocity beyond 1,400 yards with appropriate loads
Recoil Significant, comparable to .300 Winchester Magnum
Can be mitigated with muzzle brakes or heavier rifles

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .28 Nosler loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.28 Nosler: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .28 Nosler ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Long-Range Hunting 0-1000 Excellent for large game at extended ranges
Target Shooting 0-1500 Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads
Precision Rifle Competition 0-1200 High ballistic coefficient bullets maintain energy at long distances

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .28 Nosler is known for its exceptional long-range performance and flat trajectory. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .28 Nosler

The .28 Nosler's high-performance characteristics make it suitable for specific long-range applications:

Long-Range Hunting
  • Ideal for large game hunting at extended ranges
  • High velocity and energy retention for ethical harvests
  • Flat trajectory allows for simplified holdovers
Target Shooting and Competition
  • Popular for extreme long-range shooting competitions
  • High ballistic coefficient bullets maintain stability at distance
  • Capable of sub-MOA accuracy with proper handloads
Precision Rifle Series (PRS)
  • Used by competitive shooters in long-range rifle matches
  • Excellent wind-bucking capability
  • Moderate recoil compared to larger magnum calibers
Ballistic Testing
  • Used for studying long-range ballistics and bullet performance
  • High velocity allows for extended range data collection
  • Valuable for developing long-range shooting techniques

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the .28 Nosler's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.28 Nosler vs. 7mm Remington Magnum ▼

.28 Nosler vs. .300 Winchester Magnum ▼

.28 Nosler vs. 6.5 PRC ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .28 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 9 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .28 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 200-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .28 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .28 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .28 Nosler

The .28 Nosler is a high-performance rifle cartridge known for its flat trajectory and excellent long-range capabilities. This table compares the sectional density of various .28 Nosler loads.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.28 Nosler 160 0.305
.28 Nosler 175 0.333
.28 Nosler 185 0.352
.28 Nosler 195 0.371
.28 Nosler 200 0.381

Note: The .28 Nosler offers excellent sectional density values, contributing to its superior penetration and energy retention at long ranges. The cartridge's high sectional density, combined with its high velocity, makes it an excellent choice for long-range hunting and target shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .28 Nosler?

A: The .28 Nosler is a 7mm (.284 caliber) rifle cartridge introduced by Nosler in 2015. It's designed to offer magnum-level performance in a standard-length action, providing high velocity and flat trajectory for long-range hunting and shooting.

Q: What are the ballistic advantages of the .28 Nosler?

A: The .28 Nosler offers superior ballistics compared to other 7mm cartridges. It can push a 160-grain bullet at velocities over 3,300 fps from a 26-inch barrel, resulting in a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than cartridges like the 7mm Remington Magnum.

Q: What type of game is the .28 Nosler suitable for?

A: The .28 Nosler is suitable for a wide range of big game hunting, including deer, elk, moose, and bear. Its high velocity and energy make it effective for long-range hunting of medium to large-sized game animals.

Q: How does recoil compare to other 7mm cartridges?

A: The .28 Nosler generates more recoil than the 7mm Remington Magnum due to its higher velocities and powder charge. However, the recoil is still manageable for most experienced shooters, especially when using a properly fitted rifle with a good recoil pad.

Q: What is the typical barrel life for a .28 Nosler?

A: The .28 Nosler, due to its high velocity and large powder charge, typically has a shorter barrel life compared to less powerful cartridges. Depending on the loads used and shooting frequency, barrel life can range from 1,000 to 1,500 rounds before accuracy begins to degrade noticeably.